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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
(+)-2-chloro-2-phenylethane in toluene racemises slowly in the presence of small amount of $\mathrm{SbCl}_{5},$ due to the formation of
ChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryWBJEEWBJEE 2013
Options:
  • A carbanion
  • B carbene
  • C free-radical
  • D carbocation
Solution:
1307 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: carbocation
A planar carbocation is generated when $\mathrm{SbCl}_{5}$ remove $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$ from the substrate. This carbocation is subsequently attacked by $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$ (nucleophile) from both the sides (j.e. from top and bottom) to produce a racemic mixture.

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